Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star Brittney Griner has been ‘wrongfully detained by the Russian government,’ the US State Department said Tuesday.
after authorities found vape cartridges containing oil from cannabis in her bag. In March, Russian officials said her detention had been extended until May 19.‘The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is among the highest priorities of the US government,’ the State Department said, according to ESPN, who first reported the reclassification. ‘The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Brittney Griner.
Officials had stopped short of signally the WBNA player was wrongfully detained until now. The change in distinction comes a week after the US government secured the release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed as part of a prisoner swap. Griner’s case has been moved to the Office of Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, which focuses on negotiating the release of hostages and other Americans classified as being wrongfully detained abroad.
‘Having learned that the US government has now determined that BG is being wrongfully detained we are hopeful that their efforts will be significant, swift and successful,’ Ogwumike said.
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